Welcome to My Personal Photo Album

I would like you to meet my awesome parents Roy and Margaret Schmaltz (Photo was taken at the dinner after our wedding)

My parents had the difficult task of raising a child with a disability. They didn't hide me from anything in the world and taught me to enjoy the important things in life, not the material things. They took me with them wherever they went. So I grew up exploring, hiking, camping and fishing, going to many pow wow's and rodeos. Mom and dad do you remember a certain out door rock concert? We were always going somewhere or visiting family or friends.

Dad and mom raised me to be a strong and independent person. Through out our lives things haven't always been perfect. They haven't always agreed with my lifestyle choices or personal beliefs but, they have always been there for me, even when I have made some big mistakes. (They are big fans of my artwork and promote me as much as they can They were the ones Who made my first art sale!)

We talk almost every day and go out for coffee or for dinner quite often. Mom and dad you gave me a good strong foundation to base my life from and for this I am eternally grateful. I love you both so much!

This is my Uncle 'B' Thomas Slattery. (Korea War Veteran) For quite some time I had a problem with being painfully shy and not having a great deal of confidence in myself. I think that this happened from my bad experiences in high school.

My uncle has always been a fan of my art. He is always telling everyone about my work. One of the most important things that he has ever done for me is to help me get over my shyness and have more confidence in myself. I remember years ago when I first started showing my work, he would practically drag me over to meet someone. He would introduce me by saying " this is my shy niece Margaux the artist, yup, look at her blushing!" I would be so mad at him and he was relentless but you know what, after awhile it was just easier not to be shy. Now for the most part I am not shy and I have you to thank for that Uncle 'B', xo xo!!!

This picture was taken in 1925 at Fort Quappelle, Saskatchewan around the time when my grandparents were married.

I love this photo. My grandpa John was a self-educated man who loved to write. I was told that they always referred to him as " The Old One" because he spent so much time with the elders. It paid off because I think that he was quite wise. I have been told many stories about my grandpa and have had the privilege of reading some of the stories that he has written. I wish that I could have met him.

I usually write a story to go with each of my drawings. Since we have started designing the website I have discovered that I actually enjoy writing. Maybe I have my grandpa John to thank for that!

This is my Granny and Grandpa Schmaltz, (German) Roy Schmaltz senior and Mary Schmaltz (Rodenbucher). My Grandma Chris lived with us for many years so most of the focus has been about my Native heritage. However, granny and grandpa Schmaltz also have some very interesting history as well.

My Granny was born on November 19, 1911 in Pake, Hungary. When she was only two years old her father was killed in the war and her mother was often away working so she ended up spending a great deal of time on her grandparents vineyard in Nemepker, Hungary. In her early teens she moved to Canada where she later met my grandpa.

My grandpa's parents lived in Kabel, Russia. Later they moved to the U.S. where they had several children. My grandpa was born on June 16. 1914 in Prelate, Saskatchewan. He was the only child who was born in Canada.

There is so much more that I want to learn about my European history. I hope one day that my husband and I can travel to Europe and visit the places where my grandparents and their families lived. Europe is so old and rich with culture and history. I am sure that it would be an adventure that I would never forget!!!

These are photos of my Grandma Christina's parents. Mary Lasswise (Basil) -Red Medicine Woman- born 1875 and her husband Jacob Lasswise -Sings To The Spirits- born 1870.

I never met grandpa Jacob but when I was very young I did meet Grandma Mary, who lived to the ripe old age of one hundred and four. I remember that she always wanted to hold me but she didn't speak a word of English and I was afraid of her. The picture of my grandma Mary is one of my personal favorites. I started to call her my 'Gypsy Grandma' because that is exactly what she looks like to me, she even smoked a pipe.

My parents have a photo of me, my mom, my grandma Christina and my great grandma Mary somewhere. If I can find it I want to add it to the website it isn't very often that you get a picture of four generations.

This is my best friend Tracey and her husband Rick. (Photo taken at our wedding) Tracey and I met while on a school skiing trip when we were twelve years old and we have been friends ever since.

Tracey and I were roommates the first time I moved away from home. We had a great deal of fun in Cranbrook didn't we Tracey? We went our separate ways for a few years and decided to move to Kelowna together. Now, that was even more fun!!! Two young single girls in Kelowna, Yahoo! We met lots of interesting and fun people. We even got to experience one of the infamous Kelowna Regatta riots.

Tracey and I have been through many things together. A friendship like ours is rare…if you are real lucky it comes once in a lifetime. I would say that we have gone way beyond friendship, she is like family. I look forward to many more years of experiences together down the road of life. Tracey you will always have a special place in my heart!!!